IS THE SKODA ELROQ THE ELECTRIC YETI WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR? FIRST DRIVE

EV Channels Review

The Škoda Elroq, positioned as the electric successor to the Karoq and essentially the spiritual successor to the Yeti, makes a strong first impression with its striking exterior styling and practical interior design. The reviewer highlights Škoda's 'Simply Clever' philosophy, evident in numerous thoughtful features like the boot hammock, integrated charge cable net, shopping bag hooks, and a unique screen cleaner integrated into the dashboard. Passenger space is generous, even for taller individuals, though the absence of a panoramic roof is noted as a drawback, making the cabin feel a bit dark. The driving experience is characterized by a plush, comfortable ride and impressive quietness, even at highway speeds. While the Elroq is rear-wheel drive, the reviewer notes that its substantial weight (around 2 tons) prevents the power from overwhelming the rear tires, though a slight traction loss was experienced under hard acceleration. The brake feel is described as slightly spongy initially but effective under hard braking. The reviewer praises the car's handling on good roads, noting minimal body roll despite its SUV form factor and weight, but cautions that enthusiastic driving will impact efficiency. The reviewer identifies the battery options (50, 60, 85) and their corresponding real-world ranges (estimated early 300s for the 85 model) as key selling points, alongside competitive pricing starting from £31,500. The Sportline 85, with its larger battery and higher output, is recommended for those seeking performance, while acknowledging that lower-spec models might feel underpowered for some. Overall, the Elroq is presented as a highly practical, well-designed, and competitively priced electric SUV that successfully blends everyday usability with an engaging driving experience.